Summer Message from our CEO

* 1 December 2020 *

Remembrance Day Commemorations

As with ANZAC Day in April, our aged care homes commemorated Remembrance Day without family and friends able to join us. However, staff and residents at all five homes solemnly marked the date and ensured that the fallen are always remembered for their service and sacrifice. Read more.

Lest we forget.

COVID-19 and COVID Normal

As we come to the end of 2020, we should not forget what this year has asked of us all.

For some, it has been especially demanding. I am thinking of those who have not been able to work from home, and in particular, those working in healthcare and facing the everyday risks from the virus. And in this group are the majority of our own staff.

I am deeply grateful for the commitment demonstrated by our whole workforce this year, caring for our vulnerable community in these life-threatening circumstances.

And I’d like to thank you – our whole community – for supporting us through the ups and downs of the year: you have taken on board our recommendations and worked with us to protect the most vulnerable.

We all know the pandemic is far from being over as we can clearly see whenever we turn the news on. However, as we come to the end of an exhausting year, we can take some comfort from the effectiveness our systems and processes have shown to date. With ongoing care and caution, we will continue to fight the virus until such a time that an approved vaccine is readily available to the Australian public.

Our leaders are recommending a highly cautious approach throughout 2021. Given the vulnerability of our community, this is the only reasonable approach.

Our ongoing precautions will include high-frequency cleaning and staying on high alert for virus symptoms among residents, staff and visitors.

I ask for your ongoing support in our new ‘COVID Normal’ world. While we enjoy our new-found liberty, let us not become careless.

Volunteers Returning Soon

We have been without our 100+ volunteers since March, and to say they have been missed is an under-statement!

The majority of our volunteers support our residential aged care sites, extending and enhancing the lifestyle program. Many have been with us for a long time and have developed special friendships with residents.

I think I can speak on behalf of both residents and staff when I say that we are absolutely delighted to be able to welcome you back again!

Annual General Meeting 2020

Our AGM took place online on Thursday 19 November following all legal requirements and carrying out the essential governance duties of the Board.
As he steps down from both his position of Treasurer and Board Member, and echoing our Chair, Mike O’Meara’s words, I would particularly like to thank John Cullen OAM, for his 36 years’ dedication to our organisation both before and after the merger in 2004. We are grateful to him for all he has done for our community and wish him a long and happy retirement.

We welcome two new board members – Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Laureen Grimes and Tracey Bannan. We are delighted to have them both joining our Board.

I encourage you to read more about the business of the AGM and our two new board members here.

I’d like to send season’s greetings to all and hope that 2021 is a more favourable year for all.

Janna Voloshin

Chief Executive Officer